After driving in chennai for 4 years following the traffic rules properly and driving carefully to take care of 2 wheelers ( many driving nuts without being bothered about thier own life) , I was deeply shocked and angered when a group of traffic police caught me near maduravoil and asked to step out of car with all documents including license.
I thought it was routine check and with much politeness, I showed them all documents to the sub inspector and suddenly the police man who is stopping the ongoing vehicles asked me what speed I was driving ...I told I was driving at 45 or 50. To my dismay, he said the speed limit was 40 KM from Queensland and there was board placed near queensland. I started to argue that this is very unfair that almost all vehicles are driving above 80 km and requested him not to fine me since I was not overspeeding. Actually I was driving slow since my wife is pregnant and the police men doesn’t have any courtsey / shame to demand the money they want. He said he is just following rules and have to book as many cases today even if exceeding 5 kms. The stopping is usual and random one , he said. I was asked to pay Rs 400 and threatened the amount will increase if I don’t pay the fine and I have to deal with inspector who is collecting with other people. Like me, there are few other cars who are stopped and fined for various reasons. But nobody are dare to challenge the officers.
Chennai City police had an ingenious training of calculating vehicle speed using thier cooling glass...very funny.
I looked foolish to pay the fine and after showing frustration and anger, I paid the fine shut the car door with a bang and driven away.
I strongly beleive Traffic police in chennai just to acheive some target of filing so many cases, they also make lot of false cases to fill up thier pockets with hefty amount.
The traffic police are from K4 Annanagar police station.
I have been to UK a year back and quite contrary to false case registration by our police, I once happened to drive in one way unknowingly at Watford, london nand was caught by police. I proved my innocence that I didn’t notice the one way sign board and new to UK. The police officers gave a warning and on the lighter side they enquired if I am enjoying my stay in UK and also, I have been given a traffic rule book to make sure that I don’t repeat the mistake unknowingly.
Indian police are so awakard that they can only boast of corruption and indiscipline. Can you beleive I was threatened and fined Rs400 for crossing speed limit by 5 kms at the outskirt of chennai in National Highway? Also I swear there is no such speed limit at queensland or thereafter. I was just cheated and threatened to pay fine. Since my wife is also tired of long journey, I have to pay fine and go away. I fear losing temper with such bullshit guys and getting into more trouble. There is no chance that people could be decited even if they advertise that "Ploice are friends for Public"...Traffic police are setting very bad example and actually encouraging few people who follow traffic rules to not follow rules. I actually felt stupid to have followed the rules in india.
Guys, please post bad experiences like this and we shall hope if some genuine top officers take action to clean dirt in thier department.
Prathi